Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today laid the foundation stone of Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project's first phase at Ratagada near Trisulia.

In the first phase, the project will connect Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) here with Trisulia Square. The project will be carried out with an expenditure of Rs 6,255 crore by the State Government.

The first phase of the metro rail project will cover 26 km with 20 stations-- Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), Capital Hospital, Sishu Bhawan, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar Railway Station, Ram Mandir Square, Vani Vihar, Acharya Vihar Square, Jaydev Vihar Square, Xavier Square, Rail Sadan, District Centre, Damana Square, Patia Square, KIIT Square, Nandan Vihar, Raghunathpur, Nanadankanan Zoological Park, Phulapokhari and Trisulia Square.

Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Corporation has signed an MoU with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation for the project.

The project is targeted to be completed in four years. The metro rail tracks and stations will be on elevated viaducts.

The CM had announced the project on the occasion of Utkala Dibasa on April 1, 2023.